Hello !
Since our last update we've kept busy campaigning to raise awareness of the shameful continuation of the badger cull. Our petition to the Oxford Scientists responsible for the Randomised Badger Culling Trial (RBCT) has had mixed success. We've learned that the Oxford scientists seem determined to defend their original research and seem to think the RBCT findings are sacrosanct and above criticism.
Paul Torgerson, is a leading international critic of the RBCT. He is Professor of Veterinary Epidemiology at the Vetsuisse Faculty of the University of Zürich. He is lead author of a recent scientific paper published in Nature Scientific Reports. In it, he shows that methods used to analyse the RBCT were seriously flawed. In fact, the RBCT data shows that badgers DO NOT spread bovine TB to cattle. This is a serious finding, since the badger cull and much of government disease control policy is founded on the RBCT conclusions that implicated badgers.
We were delighted to welcome Prof Torgerson to Oxford on 18th November 2024 where he headlined two important scientific meetings. Sadly (and you can draw your own conclusions) none of the lead Oxford RBCT scientists accepted the invitation to meet him and defend their work. In their absence, Paul Torgerson concluded that:
- BTB is a highly politicised disease
- Evidence is made to fit policy
- Policy based evidence rather than evidence based policy
Our report on the meeting is now live on our website. We think you'll find it interesting. We feel that this brings this stage of our campaign to a successful conclusion. It's been quite a journey and - thanks in large part to your support we've enjoyed significant local media interest. Oxford University has been held publicly to account and it's role / responsibility for the cruel and failed badger cull policy exposed.
We firmly believe that our taking this action has helped the wider national effort to persuade government to end the cull sooner rather than later. That fight goes on.
How can I help? What can I do now?
It's a UK political issue. WRITE TO YOUR MP .
The Government has accepted that the badger cull is ineffective. The scientific justification - based on the RBCT is - The badger cull is no longer defensible as part of BTB control policy. Continuing to cull a native, protected mammal just to avoid 'shocks' to the farming industry is scandalous. The government has committed to ending the cull 'eventually' following a policy review. It's vital to let your MP know that the badger cull is politically toxic and a live issue for the British public.
We couldn't have achieved this without your support. Thank you.
Linda, Eileen, Julia and Richard
Trustees, Oxfordshire Badger Group Registered Charity (England and Wales) 1186850